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Beckham urges English to be as patriotic as US

DAVID BECKHAM has praised America for its patriotism and urged England to follow its example.

In an interview in today??s Sunday Times, the England football captain laments the fact that in England overt displays of patriotism are rarely seen outside sporting arenas and occasional events such as yesterday??s Last Night of the Proms.

The result, Beckham believes, is relentless pressure on sporting stars such as himself to define the nation??s fortunes by their exploits. Beckham makes it clear, however, that his own patriotism is undented by his recent departure from Manchester to play football for Real Madrid.

??I get the feeling that Americans are proud about being American all day, every day,?? says Beckham.

??That??s something I admire because I??m so proud of being English. I admire their (Americans??) sense of pride in their country.??

Each day American school pupils place hand on heart and recite the pledge of allegiance